Tag: preparation

Author Interview Questions – Be Prepared to Answer

Posted on by Sue L Canfield
This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Even though you’ve prepared, there may be questions an interviewer asks that you hadn’t considered. Here are 10 questions you want to be prepared to answer:

  1. What inspired you to write this book?
  2. What can you tell us about your book?
  3. What did you learn writing this book?
  4. What surprised you the most about writing your book?
  5. What does the title, or subtitle, of your book mean?
  6. What are the two main take-aways from your book you want people to know?
  7. What do you hope to accomplish with your book?
  8. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
  9. Where can we buy your book?
  10. What else do you plan to write?

Practice your answers to these questions so you sound natural when you reply.

Skype Interview Tips (Good for Zoom too)

Posted on by Sue L Canfield
This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Since more and more media outlets are using Skype for conducting interviews, here are a few tips to help you look and sound good when sharing your message.video calls

  • Set up Skype in advance. If you don’t yet have a Skype account, set one up now on your computer. Practice using it with a friend in advance so you know how it works and can feel confident during your interview. Your Skype username and profile photo will be the first thing your interviewer sees when connecting with you. Be sure it’s professional. If you already have a Skype account you use for family and friends, create a separate  professional account for interviews.
  • Avoid distractions and interruptions. Turn your phone off to avoid distracting notifications. Close any programs you have running on your computer. The night before, and then an hour or so in advance, restart your computer to be sure it’s running at its best and not going through an update that could slow things down or cause distractions. Close the door and make sure everyone knows you are not to be disturbed. Close the windows. No pets in the room. Turn off the AC.
  • Sound your best. Your computer microphone is not the best for interviews. If you’re going to  do a lot of interviews and want to sound your best, invest in an external microphone. Be sure to select that microphone as your audio source in your Skype settings. Here’s an article about some of the best microphones for Skype.

Audio Interviews

Posted on by Sue L Canfield
This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

More and more audio interviews and podcasts are now being done using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or some other technology for better sound quality. Here are some tips to help you do your best:

  • Be sure your microphone works!
  • Rehearse with a friend asking the interview questions so you can practice your responses.
  • Record your practice session so you can listen to it and hear what you sound like.
  • Practice several times so you are comfortable and sound natural.
  • Before the interview drink some water and say a few practice sentences.
  • Take a few minutes to get into the right frame of mind and relax before your interview starts.
  • Even though this is an audio interview and there’s no camera, you’ll sound better and feel more confident if you smile while you speak.

Interview Technology

Posted on by Sue L Canfield
This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Interview Tips for Authors

Years ago media interviews were done in person at a studio. Today many interviews are done online using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or some other technology. If you’re not yet familiar with these platforms, now is the time to learn. Willingness to use one of these platforms for an interview increases your chances of being selected.

You’ll still want to prepare well for these interviews. Make sure you still dress the part and have a quiet place to be during the interview. Practice with a friend to be sure your equipment works, the lighting is right, and that you know what to do if something goes wrong.

Embrace the new interview technology, and look and sound your best when speaking about your book’s message.

Wrapping Up Your Interview

Posted on by Sue L Canfield

?At the end of your interview, there are a couple final questions you’ll often be asked: